A “central line” or “central catheter” is often used to draw blood, or give fluids or medications. A bloodstream infection can occur when bacteria or other germs travel down a “central line” and enter the blood. If you or a loved one has a central catheter, find out what you can do to help prevent infections.

People who have MRSA germs on their skin or who are infected with MRSA may be able to spread the germ to other people. What are some of the things that hospitals are doing to prevent MRSA infections? Read on to find out what you can do to prevent the spread of infection.

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Infections develop in about 1 to 3 out of every 100 patients who have surgery. If you are planning to have surgery, find out what you can do to help prevent SSI's.

The enterococcus is a germ or bacterium that lives in the intestinal tract and in the female genital tract. Occasionally, the enterococcus can cause an infection of the urinary tract, bloodstream, or skin wounds. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat those infections.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or by streptococcus bacteria. Originally linked to the use of tampons, it is now also known to be associated with the diaphragm and other birth control methods.

Untreatable and hard-to-treat infections from CRE germs are on the rise among patients in medical facilities. CRE germs have become resistant to all or nearly all the antibiotics that are available today. FInd out what you can do to stop the spread of infection.

Rabies is a virus that in the U.S. is usually transmitted by a bite from a wild infected animal, such as a bat, raccoon, skunk, or fox. If you suspect that your child has been bitten by a rabid animal, go to the emergency department immediately.

The Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of lapses in patient safety. This program features an interview with AHRQ Director, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, discussing this important issue.

You go to the hospital to get well, right? Of course, but did you know that patients can get infections in the hospital while they are being treated for something else? Here are ten things you can do to be a safe patient.

Personal hygiene and household cleanliness practices are important methods to reduce the risk of spreading infectious disease. Find fact sheets on many related topics including: creating a healthy household, antibacterials in household products, and how to fight colds.

Pink, itchy eyes? Conjunctivitis – or pink eye – is common in adults and children. It spreads quickly and sometimes needs medical treatment, depending on the cause. Know the symptoms, get treatment if needed, and prevent its spread.

This site helps kids learn about rabies, a dangerous virus that can infect and kill animals and humans. Get the facts, learn the warning signs, and protect yourself and your pets from animals with rabies.

Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which strikes over 700,000 Americans each year.

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Page last updated:
Tuesday, March 03, 2015